Multipack packaging assemblies

ABSTRACT

A packaging assembly can include a plurality of containers and a film. The packaging assembly can further include one or more tear lines disposed between adjacent containers, or between adjacent rows of containers. The tear lines can include scored tear lines or perforated tear lines. The scores or perforations can be formed by a laser, blade, or other implement. One or more containers can be removed from the packaging assembly by tearing the film along the tear line.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/943,254 entitled MULTIPACK PACKAGING ASSEMBLIES,filed on Feb. 21, 2014, which is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to multipack packagingassemblies, and more particularly to packaging assemblies that include aplurality of containers retained by a film.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The written disclosure herein describes illustrative embodiments thatare non-limiting and non-exhaustive. Reference is made to certain ofsuch illustrative embodiments that are depicted in the figures, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a packaging assembly;

FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the packaging assembly of FIG. 1,depicting a plurality of containers in phantom;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of the packaging assembly ofFIG. 1, depicting the packaging assembly after the removal of aplurality of containers and a segment or portion of the assembly;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the packaging assembly of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 5 is cross-sectional view of the packaging assembly of FIG. 4,taken along the view line 5-5 in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the packagingassembly of FIG. 4, taken along the view line 6A-6A in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the packagingassembly of FIG. 4, taken along the view line 6A-6A in FIG. 4; and

FIG. 7 is a plan view of another embodiment of a packaging assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments may be best understood by reference to the drawings, whereinlike parts are designated by like numerals throughout. It will bereadily understood that the components of the present disclosure, asgenerally described and illustrated in the drawings herein, could bearranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations.Thus, the following more detailed description of the embodiments of theapparatus is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, but ismerely representative of possible embodiments of the disclosure. In somecases, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown ordescribed in detail. While the various aspects of the embodiments arepresented in drawings, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scaleunless specifically indicated.

FIGS. 1-2 depict an embodiment of a packaging assembly 100, according tothe present disclosure. More specifically, FIG. 1 is a perspective viewof the packaging assembly 100; and FIG. 2 is another perspective view ofthe packaging assembly 100, depicting a plurality of containers 110 inphantom. As shown in FIGS. 1-2, the packaging assembly 100 comprises aplurality of containers 110 and a film 120. The packaging assembly 100further comprises one or more tear lines 130. In some embodiments, thepackaging assembly 100 further comprises a handle 140.

As shown in FIGS. 1-2, the film 120 is configured to retain theplurality of containers 110 within the packaging assembly 100. In someembodiments, the film 120 retains the plurality of containers 110 in asubstantially fixed position within the packaging assembly 100. In otherwords, the plurality of containers 110 can be retained by the film 120such that they are not free to move about or exit the interior region122 of the packaging assembly 100. In some embodiments, the packagingassembly 100 can be referred to as a multipack packaging assembly 100.

The film 120 can retain the plurality of containers 110 in various ways.For example, in some embodiments, the film 120 is wrapped or otherwisedisposed around the plurality of containers 110. In other embodiments,the film 120 is wrapped or otherwise disposed around at least a portionof the plurality of containers 110. Further, in some embodiments, thefilm 120 is shrink wrapped around the plurality of containers 110. Forexample, the film 120 can be wrapped or otherwise disposed around theplurality of containers 110, and then, using any suitable shrink wrapprocess and equipment, the film 120 can be made to shrink around theplurality of containers 110. In some embodiments, shrinking the film 120around the plurality of containers 110 can cause the film 120 tosubstantially conform to the shape of the plurality of containers 110,minimizing the amount of excess space within the packaging assembly 100.

Various types of films 120 can be used. For example, in someembodiments, the film 120 comprises plastic and/or other polymericmaterials. Exemplary plastic and/or polymeric materials that can be usedinclude, but are not limited to, polyolefin polymers and copolymers,polyvinyl chloride (PVC) polymers and copolymers, polyethylene polymersand copolymers, polypropylene polymers and copolymers, and mixturesthereof. In some embodiments, the film 120 comprises one or morethermoplastic materials or resins. In some embodiments, the film 120comprises a shrinkable film.

As can be appreciated, the use of a film 120 packaging material isadvantageous in many ways. For example, film 120 packaging materialsoffer significant cost savings as compared to traditional paperboardpackaging materials. In some instances, the cost of film 120 packagingmaterials can be up to 75% less than the cost of paperboard packagingmaterials.

Film 120 packaging materials are also advantageous when placing thepackaging assembly 100 in a cooler or other environment with ice and/orwater. For example, in contrast to traditional paperboard packagingmaterials, the film 120 disclosed herein is not substantially affectedby ice or the water derived therefrom. Other advantages of using film120 packaging materials are also contemplated.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1-2, the packaging assembly 100further comprises one or more tear lines 130. In some embodiments, thetear lines 130 are disposed in the machine direction of the film 120.Various types of tear lines 130 can be used, including, but not limitedto, scored tear lines and perforated tear lines. For example, in someembodiments, the tear lines 130 can be laser scored or laser perforatedtear lines. Other mechanical means can also be used to create the scoredor perforated tear lines, including blades or other implements. Scoredtear lines, including laser scored tear lines, can extend partiallythrough the film 120. For example, a laser, blade, or other implement,can be used to create a taper, or channel, along a surface of the film120. Perforated tear lines can extend completely through the film 120.For example, a laser, blade, or other implement can be used to create aseries of perforations that extend completely through the film 120.

The tear lines 130 can be disposed on the film 120 in one or morelocations. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, for example, one ormore tear lines 130 can be disposed between adjacent containers 110(e.g., between a first container and a second container). In furtherembodiments, one or more tear lines 130 can be disposed between adjacentrows of containers 110 (e.g., between a first row of containers and asecond row of containers).

In some embodiments, the tear lines 130 are disposed around a perimeterof the film 120. For example, the tear lines 130 can substantiallyextend around a perimeter of the film 120 (i.e., about 360° around theperimeter). In other embodiments, the tear lines 130 can extend around aportion of the perimeter of the film 120. For example, the tear lines130 can extend for about 120°, about 180°, about 240° (or more or lessas desired) around a perimeter of the film 120. The tear lines 130 canalso extend continuously or discontinuously. For example, discontinuoustear lines 130 can include one or more tear lines 130 that are spacedapart from each other along the perimeter of the film 120.

The tear lines 130 can facilitate removal of one or more containers 110from the packaging assembly 100. For example, a user can puncture thefilm 120 (e.g., via insertion of one or more fingers) at a tear line130. The user can then grasp the one or more containers 110 to beremoved (including the portion of the film 120 disposed around them),and pull them away from the remainder of the packaging assembly 100. Asthe one or more containers 110 (including the portion of the film 120disposed around them) are pulled away from the remainder of thepackaging assembly 100, the film 120 is torn along the tear line 130until the one or more containers 110 to be removed (including theportion of the film 120 disposed around them) are separated from theremainder of the packaging assembly 100. An illustrative packagingassembly 100 depicted after the removal of one or more containers(including the portion of the film 120 disposed around them) is depictedin FIG. 3 and further discussed below.

FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of a portion of the packaging assembly100 of FIG. 1, depicting the packaging assembly 100 after the removal ofone or more of containers 110 therefrom. As shown in FIG. 3, the film120 has been torn along a first tear line 130 a and one or morecontainers 110 (including the portion of the film 120 disposed aroundthem) have been removed from the packaging assembly 100. Further, thefilm 120 has been torn along a substantially controlled path located atthe tear line 130 a. The remainder of the film 120 and packagingassembly 100 is left substantially unaffected. Further, the remainder ofthe containers 100 is retained in the interior region 122 of thepackaging assembly 100. At a later time (e.g., at the user'sdiscretion), one or more additional containers 110 can be removed fromthe packaging assembly 100 by tearing the film 120 along another tearline 130, such as tear line 130 b or 130 c. For example, two containers110 can be removed by grasping and tearing the film 120 at tear line 130b, while four containers 110 can be removed by grasping and tearing thefilm 120 at tear line 130 c. The user can thus remove any number ofcontainers 110 at their discretion by grasping and tearing the film 120at a desired location. Further, in some embodiments, the film 120 cancomprise printed indicia to indicate the location of the tear lines 130if desired.

As can be appreciated, the size or footprint of the packaging assembly100 can be decreased by selectively removing the containers 110 from thepackaging assembly 100 via tearing the film 120 along the tear lines130. This is advantageous in many ways. For example, traditionalpaperboard packaging remains the same size regardless of how manycontainers have been removed from the packaging. This can beinconvenient when there are only a few containers remaining within thepackaging. In contrast, the packaging assemblies 100 disclosed hereinbecome smaller as the containers 110 are removed. For example, a portionof the film 120 of the packaging assembly 100 can be torn and removedfrom the packaging assembly 100 along with the containers 110. The sizeof the remaining portion of the packaging assembly 100 can thuscorrespond to the number of containers 110 being retained therein.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the packaging assembly 100 of FIGS. 1-2. Asshown in FIG. 4, the packaging assembly 100 comprises a plurality ofcontainers 110 and a film 120. The packaging assembly 100 furthercomprises one or more tear lines 130. The packaging assembly 100 furthercomprises a handle 140.

As shown in FIG. 4, the tear lines 130 are disposed between several ofthe containers 110. For example, a tear line 130 d is disposed between afirst container 110 a and a second container 110 b. As previouslydiscussed, the first container 110 a can be removed from the packagingassembly 100 by tearing the film 120 along the tear line 130 d.

Any number of containers 110 can be retained within the packagingassembly 110. Further, in some embodiments, the containers 110 can bearranged within the packaging assembly 100 in a predetermined format.For example, the containers 110 can be arranged in row and columnformat. In some embodiments, the containers 110 within the packagingassembly 100 can be arranged to form two or more rows 114 and one ormore columns 112 a, 112 b. As shown in FIG. 4, for example, thecontainers 110 are arranged to form six rows 114 and two columns 112 a,112 b. Arrangements of more or less rows 114 and/or more or less columns112 a, 112 b are also contemplated.

As further shown in FIG. 4, the tear lines 130 can be disposed betweenrows 114 of containers 110. For example, a tear line 130 d is disposedbetween a first row 114 a of containers 110 and a second row 114 b ofcontainers 110. The first row 114 a of containers 110 can be removedfrom the packaging assembly 110 by tearing the film 120 along the tearline 130 d. If desired, a plurality of rows 114 can be removedsimultaneously from the packaging assembly 100 by tearing the film 120along any desired tear line 130. For example, three rows 114 ofcontainers 110 (six containers 110) can be removed simultaneously bytearing the film 120 along the tear line 130 e. In further embodiments,one or more tear lines 130 can be disposed between one or more columnsof containers 110, such as columns 112 a, 112 b. In yet furtherembodiments, one or more tear lines 130 can be disposed between one ormore rows 114 of containers 110, and one or more columns of containers110.

The containers 110 can also be arranged within the packaging assembly100 such that they stand upright. As can be appreciated, arranging thecontainers 110 in an upright configuration can provide increasedstability to the packaging assembly 100, for example, when it is placedon a shelf. In other embodiments, the containers 110 can be arrangedwithin the packaging assembly 100 such that they are disposed on theirsides, if desired.

As can be appreciated, various types of containers 110 can be packagedin the packaging assemblies 100 disclosed herein, including, but notlimited to, beverage containers, food containers, and non-foodcontainers. The containers 110 can also be made of various materials,including metals and/or non-metals. For example, in some embodiments,the containers 110 comprise one or more metals, including, but notlimited to, steel, aluminum, tin, and combinations thereof. Non-metalmaterials can also be used. For example, in some embodiments, thecontainers 110 comprise one or more plastic and/or other polymericmaterials. Further, in some embodiments, the containers 110 compriseglass materials.

The containers 110 can also be various shapes and/or sizes. For example,in some embodiments, the containers 110 are substantially cylindrical inshape. In some embodiments, the containers 110 are shaped liketraditional cans (e.g., beverage cans, canned food, etc.). In otherembodiments, the containers 110 are shaped like traditional bottles(water bottles, beverage bottles, etc.) Other shaped containers 110,including both traditionally used shapes and non-traditionally usedshapes, are also contemplated.

In some embodiments, the tear lines 130 comprise laser scored tearlines, as illustrated in FIG. 5. Specifically, FIG. 5 is cross-sectionalview of the packaging assembly 100 of FIG. 4, taken along the view line5-5 in FIG. 4. FIG. 5 depicts a portion of a tear line 130 disposed onthe film 120. As shown in FIG. 5, the tear line 130 can comprise a laserscored tear line that extends through a first surface 124 (e.g., anexterior surface) of the film 120. In some embodiments, the tear line130 can be described as a taper or a channel. Further, the tear line 130extends only through a portion of the film 120 such that a secondsurface 126 (e.g., the interior surface) remains substantiallyunaffected. In other embodiments, the tear line 130 can extend all theway through the film 120. For example, as previously discussed, the tearline 130 can comprise a series of perforations that can extend throughthe film 120.

With reference to FIGS. 1-2 and 4, the packaging assembly 100 canfurther comprise a handle 140. The handle 140 can facilitate carryingthe packaging assembly 100. Further, in some embodiments, one or moreadditional handles (e.g., a second handle, etc.) can be used if desired.As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the handle 140 can furtherinclude printed indicia 141 and can be used for labeling purposes.

The handle 140 can be coupled to the film 120. For example, a firstportion 142 of the handle 140 is coupled to a surface of the film 120 ata first location, and a second portion 144 of the handle 140 is coupledto a surface of the film 120 at a second location. A third portion 146of the handle 140 extends outwardly from the packaging assembly 100 tofacilitate grasping and carrying the packaging assembly 100. The handle140 can securely retain the packaging assembly 100 as it is beingcarried by the user.

The handle 140 can be coupled to the packaging assembly 100 at variouslocations. For example, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, thehandle 140 is coupled to a longitudinal end 101 of the packagingassembly 100. The handle 140 also extends from a side of the packagingassembly 100. The printed indicia 141 can thus be clearly viewed whenthe packaging assembly 100 is placed on a shelf. This can beadvantageous when the packaging assembly 100 comprises a bulls-eyeregion (i.e., a region devoid of film 120) that may be formed during ashrink wrap process. For example, the absence of film 120 at thebulls-eye region can make it difficult to label the packaging assembly100. However, these difficulties can be overcome by placing a handle 140comprising printed indicia 141 over the bulls-eye region, as shown inthe illustrated embodiment.

As discussed above, in some embodiments a second handle can also beused. For example, a second handle can be coupled to the longitudinalend of the packaging assembly 100 that is opposite the longitudinal end101 wherein the first handle 140 is coupled. Coupling handles 140 toeach longitudinal end of the packaging assembly 100 can be advantageousin many ways, including handling, packaging, or otherwise moving thepackaging assembly 100. In yet further embodiments, a handle mayoptionally extend upward from the packaging assembly 100, for example,from a central region of the packaging assembly 100, if desired. Such ahandle could be present alone or in combination with one or more handlesplaced at longitudinal ends of the packaging assembly 100.

FIGS. 6A and 6B depict cross-sectional views of various embodiments ofthe packaging assembly 100 of FIG. 4, taken along the view line 6A-6A inFIG. 4. As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the handle 140, 240 can be coupledto the packaging assembly in various ways. In some embodiments, such asthe embodiment of FIG. 6A, the handle 140 is directly adhered to thefilm 120. For example, the handle 140 can be heat sealed, or melted tothe film 120. In other embodiments, such as the embodiment of FIG. 6B,the handle 240 is coupled to the film 220 via an adhesive 241. Anysuitable adhesive can be used.

FIG. 7 depicts another embodiment of a packaging assembly 300 that canresemble the packaging assembly 100 described above in certain respects.Accordingly, like features are designated with like reference numerals,with the leading digits incremented to “3.” Relevant disclosure setforth above regarding similarly identified features thus may not berepeated hereafter. Moreover, specific features of the packagingassembly 300 may not be shown or identified by a reference numeral inthe drawings or specifically discussed in the written description thatfollows. However, such features may clearly be the same, orsubstantially the same, as features depicted in other embodiments and/ordescribed with respect to such embodiments. Accordingly, the relevantdescriptions of such features apply equally to the features of thepackaging assembly 300. Any suitable combination of the features andvariations of the same described with respect to the packaging assembly100 can be employed with the packaging assembly 300, and vice versa.This pattern of disclosure applies equally to further embodimentsdepicted in subsequent figures and described hereafter, wherein theleading digits may be further incremented.

As shown in FIG. 7, the packaging assembly 300 comprises a plurality ofcontainers 310 and a film 320. The packaging assembly further comprisesone or more tear lines 330. In the illustrated embodiment, the tearlines 330 are a series of discontinuous tear lines 330. The tear lines330 can be scored tear lines, or perforated tear lines. The scores orperforations can be formed via a laser, or can be cut with a blade orother implement. Other suitable methods of forming scores orperforations can also be employed.

Methods of packaging a plurality of containers are also disclosedherein. For example, in one embodiment, the method comprises a step ofdisposing a film around a plurality of containers. The plurality ofcontainers can be arranged in any desired format, including row andcolumn formats. The method can further comprise a step of shrinking thefilm around the containers. Exemplary shrink film processes can includeapplying heat to the film which can cause the film to shrink around thecontainers. The method can further comprise a step of applying tearlines to the film. For example, the tear lines can be applied with alaser and can be disposed around a perimeter of the film. Scored tearlines, or perforated tear lines can be used. The method can furthercomprise a step of coupling a handle to the packaging assembly. Forexample, the handle can be coupled to a surface of the film. Additionalmethod steps can be derived from the disclosure herein.

Any methods disclosed herein comprise one or more steps or actions forperforming the described method. The method steps and/or actions may beinterchanged with one another. In other words, unless a specific orderof steps or actions is required for proper operation of the embodiment,the order and/or use of specific steps and/or actions may be modified.

References to approximations are made throughout this specification,such as by use of one or more of the terms “about,” “approximately,”“substantially,” and “generally.” For each such reference, it is to beunderstood that, in some embodiments, the value, feature, orcharacteristic may be specified without approximation. For example,where such a qualifier is used, the term includes within its scope thequalified word in the absence of the qualifier.

Reference throughout this specification to “an embodiment” or “theembodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristicdescribed in connection with that embodiment is included in at least oneembodiment. Thus, the quoted phrases, or variations thereof, as recitedthroughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to thesame embodiment. Similarly, it should be appreciated that in the abovedescription of embodiments, various features are sometimes groupedtogether in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for thepurpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure,however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that anyembodiment requires every feature shown in a particular drawing.

Unless otherwise noted, the terms “a” or “an” are to be construed asmeaning “at least one of.” In addition, for ease of use, the words“including” and “having” are interchangeable with and have the samemeaning as the word “comprising.” Recitation of the term “first” withrespect to a feature or element does not necessarily imply the existenceof a second or additional such feature or element.

The claims following this written disclosure are hereby expresslyincorporated into the present written disclosure, with each claimstanding on its own as a separate embodiment. This disclosure includesall permutations of the independent claims with their dependent claims.Moreover, additional embodiments capable of derivation from theindependent and dependent claims that follow are also expresslyincorporated into the present written description.

Without further elaboration, it is believed that one skilled in the artcan use the preceding description to utilize the invention to itsfullest extent. The claims and embodiments disclosed herein are to beconstrued as merely illustrative and exemplary, and not a limitation ofthe scope of the present disclosure in any way. It will be apparent tothose having ordinary skill in the art, with the aid of the presentdisclosure, that changes may be made to the details of theabove-described embodiments without departing from the underlyingprinciples of the disclosure herein. In other words, variousmodifications and improvements of the embodiments specifically disclosedin the description above are within the scope of the appended claims.The scope of the invention is therefore defined by the following claimsand their equivalents.

1. A packaging assembly, comprising: a first container and a secondcontainer; a film wrapped around a portion of each of the first andsecond containers such that the film is configured to retain each of thefirst and second containers in a substantially fixed position within thepackaging assembly; wherein the film comprises a tear line disposedbetween the first and second container, wherein the tear line extendsaround a perimeter of the film between the first and second container.2. The packaging assembly of claim 1, wherein the tear line comprises alaser scored line.
 3. The packaging assembly of claim 1, wherein thetear line comprises a series of perforated lines.
 4. The packagingassembly of claim 1, wherein the tear line comprises a continuous tearline.
 5. The packaging assembly of claim 1, wherein the tear linecomprises a series of discontinuous tear lines.
 6. The packagingassembly of claim 1, wherein the first container is removed from thepackaging assembly via tearing the film at the tear line.
 7. Thepackaging assembly of claim 1, wherein the film comprises a polymericfilm.
 8. The packaging assembly of claim 1, wherein the film comprises athermoplastic film.
 9. The packaging assembly of claim 1, wherein thefilm comprises a shrinkable film.
 10. The packaging assembly of claim 1,further comprising a handle, wherein the handle is coupled to alongitudinal end of the packaging assembly.
 11. The packaging assemblyof claim 10, wherein the handle comprises printed indicia.
 12. Apackaging assembly, comprising: a first row of containers and a secondrow of containers; a film wrapped around a portion of the first andsecond rows of containers such that the film is configured to retaineach of the first and second rows of containers in a substantially fixedposition within the packaging assembly; wherein the film comprises atear line disposed between the first and second rows of containers,wherein the tear line extends around a perimeter of the film between thefirst and second rows of containers.
 13. The packaging assembly of claim12, wherein the tear line comprises a laser scored line.
 14. Thepackaging assembly of claim 12, wherein the tear line comprises a seriesof perforated lines.
 15. A method of packaging a plurality ofcontainers, the method comprising: disposing a film around a pluralityof containers; shrinking the film around the plurality of containers;and applying a tear line to the film such that the tear line is disposedbetween a first and second container.
 16. The method of claim 15,wherein the tear line is applied to the film with a laser.
 17. Themethod of claim 15, wherein the tear line is applied to the film suchthat the tear line extends around a perimeter of the film between thefirst and second container.
 18. The method of claim 15, furthercomprising: coupling a handle to the packaging assembly.
 19. The methodof claim 18, wherein the handle is coupled to a longitudinal end of thepackaging assembly.
 20. The method of claim 15, wherein the plurality ofcontainers are arranged in two or more rows and one or more columns.